From custom shoe vaults to bird enclosures, it’s clear that some homeowners will do anything to pursue their passions. Take Ronald and Nat, for example—a rock-climbing power couple who transformed one of the rooms in their 4-room HDB flat into a bouldering space that reflects their love for the sport.
While home-based climbing walls aren’t entirely new—we’ve seen other homes incorporate rock walls too—what sets their setup apart is the inclusion of a Kilter Bard, a high-tech climbing system that lights up with different routes. This board also connects them to a global community of climbers who share and challenge each other’s routes. For Ronald and Nat, this feature is more than just a wall; it’s a lifestyle upgrade that brings their passion into the heart of their new home.
We recently got the opportunity to explore how these climbing enthusiasts turned their vision into reality, from the initial inspiration to the meticulous planning and execution with their interior designers, Indoor Art Studio.
Living with a bouldering wall in an HDB flat
Image credit: Mesa Haus
For Ronald and Nat, rock climbing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a shared obsession that has shaped their relationship and lifestyle since day one. Ronald, who has been climbing since 2014, introduced Nat to the sport when they started dating, and it quickly became a cornerstone of their lives. So when the time came for them to put down roots and make a home, they knew they wanted to bring their love for climbing into their everyday lives.
“We thought it would be very interesting to have a bouldering wall that we (could) train on at home or invite our friends over to climb together with us,” Ronald said. While the convenience of a home climbing wall was a major draw, the couple also wanted a feature that could elevate their climbing experience. Enter the Kilter Board.
For the uninitiated, the Kilter Board is a modular climbing system with LED-lit routes, making it the perfect choice for a smaller space like a room in an HDB flat. Ronald and Nat chose this board because it ticked all the boxes: its dimensions fit their home, it had the types of holds and grips they wanted, and it was popular among climbers.
Image credit: Mesa Haus
Not only does it offer endless climbing challenges, but it also connects Ronald and Nat with a worldwide community of climbers through an app. This lets them try out countless routes with just one board, far surpassing the variety of traditional rock walls.
Installing the wall, however, required careful planning and collaboration with their interior designers and wall-building contractor, Ivan Toh of Ninja Wall Builder. “A big reason we chose a reliable wall builder instead of DIY is because they are familiar with the regulations,” Ronald shared, emphasizing the importance of safety and compliance. “The technical aspects of the wall-building were all handled by Ivan.”
In total, the wall took about 2 weeks to build and install, costing the couple around $17,000—most of which went into the custom-made holds that took 5 months to arrive from the United States.
The overall aesthetic of the room was designed to fit the colourful retro-eclectic theme of the house, a task handled by Vanessa Song and Carolyn Koh of Indoor Art Studio. Knowing the wall would be wooden with white holds, they designed the surrounding elements to complement the earthy tones.
Image credit: Mesa Haus
From the living room, a teal wall creates a striking backdrop that pairs with the wooden frame, which serves as a subtle divide between the spaces without the need for physical boundaries like glass walls or doors. A custom freestanding TV console, with its olive-toned and walnut cabinetry, blocks the eyeline to the bouldering wall—a thoughtful touch for anyone with tropophobia. Combined with the mustard couch, the main living space radiates personality and colour.
The addition of the Kilter Board has fundamentally changed how Ronald and Nat live in and use their HDB flat. No longer bound by the operating hours of climbing gyms or the need to travel, the couple now enjoys unparalleled flexibility in their training routines. “We can be more flexible with our plans because we don’t need to travel to a climbing gym or leave when the gym closes,” Ronald said.
The wall has also turned their home into a social hub for their climbing community. “Many of our friends are climbers too,” Ronald shared, noting that their home has become a gathering spot for like-minded enthusiasts.
While the wall requires minimal maintenance—such as washing the holds every few years—it’s a small price to pay for the joy and convenience it brings. For Ronald and Nat, the Kilter Board isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of their dedication to climbing and their commitment to creating a home that truly reflects their passions.
Designing an open-concept kitchen with earthy colours
Image credit: Mesa Haus
The hint of green that subtly appears in the TV console takes center stage in the open-concept kitchen, where olive green cabinets and backsplash tiles create a bold yet harmonious statement. Paired with warm wood textures rich in grain, the space exudes a grounded, earthy vibe that feels both contemporary and inviting.
Image credit: Mesa Haus
Adding a touch of whimsy are patterned floor tiles that infuse the kitchen with playful charm, their design lending character and a sense of movement to the room. Together, these elements create a kitchen that’s not just functional but a visually captivating space where every detail tells a story.
Taking a different design approach with rattan in the bedroom
Image credit: Mesa Haus
The primary bedroom takes a refreshing approach, combining natural textures like rattan with smart design details. At the heart of the space is a wardrobe that strikes the perfect balance between character and practicality. Muted blue laminate frames the cabinets and creates a serene backdrop, while rattan panels in the center introduce a natural, textured charm.
Image credit: Mesa Haus
The interplay of materials continues with brass hardware accents from the door knobs to the circular vanity mirror and overhead lights above the built-in dresser table. This feature was strategically placed between the 2 wardrobes for easy access to essentials Ronald or Nat need to get ready for their day.
Image credit: Mesa Haus
The design ethos extends into the primary bathroom, where mustard yellow and olive green make a reappearance, echoing the colours present throughout the rest of the house. Patterned tiles, all with unique designs, were picked out by Nat to introduce a playful contrast to the backsplash and complement the statement made by the vibrant pipes.
Together, these elements transform the primary bedroom and bathroom into a functional and visually captivating space.
Building a custom bouldering wall in an HDB flat
Image credit: Mesa Haus
Ronald and Nat’s HDB flat is a testament to how personal passions can shape a home. From the custom Kilter Board that brings their love for climbing indoors to the earthy, retro-inspired kitchen and the serene, rattan-accented bedroom, every corner of their space reflects their personalities and lifestyle.
Read more of our other articles here:
- Cost of 3-room BTO renovation in 2025
- Should you install a faux skylight at home?
- HDB BTO calendar 2025
Cover image adapted from: Mesa Haus
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